CISF Pioneers Gender Equality with Women in Top Ranks
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is marking a historic moment for women empowerment within its ranks. Four serving women officers now hold the prestigious rank of Inspector General (IG), a first in the force’s history, comprising 50% of the IG-rank amongst cadre officers.
The four senior women officers currently holding IG-level posts are Shanti Jaidev IG Eastern Sector, overseeing critical security operations in the eastern region,Neelima Rani,IG Central Sector, responsible for maintaining security,Pratibha Aggarwal, IG Tech and Provisioning (Headquarters), handling technological and provisioning aspects for the force and Jyoti Sinha, IG DAE & DOS, working with the Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space to ensure security of these critical installations.
This milestone is part of a broader effort by the CISF to uplift the status of women and foster an inclusive environment. With over 12,510 women personnel, approximately 8% of its total strength, the CISF boasts the largest composition of women amongst all Central Armed Police Forces.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has approved the establishment of the CISF’s first-ever all-women battalion in Nuh, Haryana. This dedicated unit is envisioned to inspire more young women to join the force and will undergo specialized training to become an elite battalion capable of diverse roles, including VIP security and duties at airports and the Delhi Metro Rail.
To enhance work-life balance, particularly for women managing families, the CISF’s new posting policy offers special preference for women and couple cases. After six years of non-choice postings, women personnel will now have choice postings for their remaining service. The policy also facilitates married working couples to be stationed in the same location.
A special women’s desk is being established at the CISF Headquarters to address issues and grievances faced by women personnel, ensuring a more prioritized and human-centric approach to their concerns.
Recent recruitment drives highlight the CISF’s commitment to gender balance. In its largest-ever sports recruitment drive, 229 women sportspersons will be recruited alongside 204 men across 29 disciplines. This will increase the total number of CISF sports teams from 26 to 60, promoting gender balance.
The CISF’s commitment to women empowerment is also evident in the story of L/SI (Exe) Geeta Samota, who became the first CISF personnel to conquer Mount Everest on May 19, 2025. Her achievement is expected to serve as a powerful inspiration, boosting the morale of women across the force and the nation.
